Hair extension attachment methods

ABSTRACT

Various methods are used to attach a hair extension to a user&#39;s natural hair, where the hair extension may include a section of hair that is secured together across its width proximate one of its lengthwise ends and is free hanging at its other lengthwise end. According to one such attachment method, a first adhesive is used to attach together a first side of the hair extension&#39;s secured end and a first section of the user&#39;s natural hair. A second adhesive is used to attach together a second side of the hair extension&#39;s secured end and a second section of the user&#39;s natural hair. Upon completion of both attachments, the hair extension is positioned between and adhered to the first and second sections of the user&#39;s natural hair. Each adhesive may be double-sided adhesive tape and may be pre-attached to its respective side of the hair extension&#39;s secured end.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No.15/139,739, which was filed on Apr. 27, 2016 and is incorporated hereinby this reference as if fully set forth herein. application Ser. No.15/139,739 is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/317,810,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,339,072, which was filed on Dec. 29, 2008 and isincorporated herein by this reference as if fully set forth herein. U.S.application Ser. No. 12/317,810 is a continuation-in-part ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2006/036890, now expired, which wasfiled on Sep. 23, 2006 and is incorporated herein by this reference asif fully set forth herein. U.S. application Ser. No. 12/317,810 furtherclaims priority upon U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/010,411, whichwas filed on Jan. 8, 2008 and is incorporated herein by this referenceas if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to hair enhancement techniquesand, more particularly, to hair extensions and methods for attachinghair extensions to users' natural hair.

Description of Related Art

Hair extensions have been used in the hair styling industry for manyyears. Users and stylists have made use of products to enhance thelength of a user's hair or to add body or bulk to thinning hair. Many ofthe products on the market are made from synthetic hair, but theseproducts up until now have not been able to be heat-styled with a blowdryer, flat iron, or hot rollers. Prior synthetic products would meltwhen a heat source was used.

To facilitate attachment to users' hair, some existing hair extensionproducts use clip-on extensions. These clip-on extensions are availablefor the home or professional market. Clip-on extensions are notsemi-permanent, must be re-applied daily, can damage natural hair, canfall out unexpectedly and are only feasible if the user's hair is thickenough to cover the clip.

Many other hair extension products on the market require the use of aliquid adhesive to secure the extensions to users' hair. This generallyprevents the average consumer from installing their own extensions. Sewnin extensions, braided style extensions and heat applied extensions canbe as damaging to natural hair as liquid adhesive applied with latexglue.

Some hair extension products on the market permit the use of adhesivetape to secure the extensions to a user's hair but require the tapeportion to be applied to the user's hair first and then the hairextensions to be placed on the already applied tape portion. Such anapplication process is difficult for the average consumer and can resultin poorly attached extensions.

Other background methods use pre-tipped hair, which must be tediouslyapplied, uses chemicals and heat for application and removal, and cancause significant damage to natural hair.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the area of hairextensions there is a need for a new style of human or synthetic fiberhair extensions that are semi-permanent.

A first objective of these embodiments is to provide hair extensionsthat can be relatively easily applied or attached and removed.

It is yet another objective of these embodiments to provide a synthetichair extension that can be blow dried, curled and able to be styledusing a flat iron, hot roller and other styling tools used in theindustry.

It is a still further objective of these embodiments to provide hairextensions that have an attachment means that blends with the hairextension or the users' hair.

An additional objective of these embodiments is to provide hairextensions that can be applied and maintained for a relatively longperiod of time.

Another objective of these embodiments is to provide complete kits toapply or re-apply the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions.

Another objective of these embodiments is to provide an affordableproduct that is simple to install and remove with little likelihood ofdamage to the natural hair.

An additional objective of these embodiments is to provide a productthat is almost undetectable in a user's hair and is affordable at alllevels of users.

These together with other objectives of these embodiments, along withvarious features of novelty which characterize these embodiments, arepointed out with particularity in the remainder of this application. Fora better understanding of these embodiments, the operating advantagesand the specific objects attained by the uses, reference should be hadto the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there isillustrated preferred and alternative embodiments.

Human or synthetic fiber hair extensions as described herein providegreat value to the consumer by providing a reasonably priced, highquality extension with human hair quality and many colors and colorcombinations. Other high temperature synthetic fiber hair extensionscurrently on the market do not provide as wide a selection of colorchoices. Most products on the market have only limited colors withextensions no longer than 16″. The disclosed extensions may include upto 10 colors with 6 color combinations being reversible and 18-20″ inlength, for at least 16 color possibilities. Various additional colorsand color combinations may be added in the future. No other product onthe market provides a two color or reversible extension where there isone color on one side and a second color on the second side. A two coloror reversible hair extension can provide added value to consumers, wherethey receive two colors for the price of one.

Many women, especially those that are post-menopausal, can experiencehair thinning and loss. The disclosed hair extensions provide anaffordable alternative without the use of potentially dangerous hairgrowth drugs or chemicals.

The disclosed hair extensions may be made with human or synthetic fiberheat activated hair and be included in kits. The kits can contain18″-20′″ long hair with double sided ¾″ medical grade tape applied tothe extensions which may be approximately 4″ wide. Obviously otherlengths of hair, widths of tape, and widths of hair extensions areanticipated. Each kit can also include a bottle of adhesive remover anda “before and after” proprietary clarifying shampoo. The shampoo isrecommended for use before the application of the hair extensions toremove oils from the natural hair and after removal of the extensions toremove adhesive and solvent (remover). The kit can also contain a CD-ROMwith an instructional video, printed application instructions containingstyling pages showing different applications and styles that arepossible.

Different kits may be provided depending upon the users need. There maybe a home kit for those who wish to install the extensions themselvesand a commercial kit for use by professional hair stylists.

An additional kit can also contain replacement tape if a user wishes toremove the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions and use them againat a later date, or if repositioning of existing extensions is desired.This kit could include the adhesive remover, shampoo, new tapes andinstructions on how to re-apply the tapes to re-use the extensions.While the shampoo should be used in the natural hair before applicationof the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions, it can also be used toclean the adhesive remover from the human or synthetic fiber hairextensions before re-use.

The extensions can have one color or solid color of hair on both sidesor a corresponding but different color on each side providing areversible color effect. Alternatively, these hair extensions can have ablended color on both sides of the extensions or have a darker andlighter color on each side of the extension allowing a high light or lowlight type of application. When, for example, the dark side is appliedout from the head, the strands of the light colored hair would showthrough from the side against the head and vice versa for a highlightand low light effect.

The highlight or low light kits can have human or synthetic fiber hairextensions with a lesser width, for example 2″ wide and 18″-20″ long,and can also be provided with a weft or seamless. While weft-less orseamless human or synthetic fiber hair extensions are better able to behidden in a user's natural hair, they are more fragile and best suitedfor application to an area closer to the top of the head as highlightpieces. Complete kits of coordinating colors can also be sold having thesame color, blended color, coordinating color or some combination ofcolors for highlights, low lights or multi-dimensional hair colors.

Some embodiments of the disclosed hair extension may include a uniquelyblended color system in that the colors blend with each other up or downone or two levels in most cases, which enhances the color dimension ofone's hair. These blended color options create unique color blends whenused together. For example, using two or more individual kits togethercan create an entirely new color blend. This also eliminates the need inmost cases for an exact match to the users hair. The choice of colorscan also provide a highlight or low light effect without bleach orcoloring, which can damage the natural hair. The blended colorextensions can be reversed to provide custom color choices.

The disclosed hair extensions can be provided in a straight or wavyconfiguration. They benefit from the advantage that they can hold thelast heat activation that was performed or have a memory. For example,if a synthetic fiber hair extension had hot rollers placed in theextension, the hair would maintain this wavy configuration even afterwashing and until it is subject to a new heat activation, such asstraightening.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the human or synthetic fiberhairs are sewn together at a sewn end or weft. In one embodiment, theweft is placed in between and located in the middle of two pieces ofdouble-sided tape. In an alternative embodiment, the hair of theextension is placed between the two pieces of double-sided tape, and theweft is placed above the two pieces of tape. In this alternativeembodiment, the weft is then cut off, such that the weft is removed andno weft is visible. The hair remains secured between the two pieces ofdouble sided tape. Other methods of securing the hair together beforeremoving the weft are also disclosed.

The weft-less, or as commonly known in the industry as “seamless,” humanor synthetic fiber hair extensions can be used in the same manner ashair extensions that contain wefts. The advantage to the seamlessextensions is that it lessens the likelihood of seeing or feeling theextensions in your hair with the weft removed. No other product on themarket uses a weft-less application done in this manner on human orsynthetic fiber hair. All other weft-less or seamless extensions areused only on human hair with a different tape system.

Both the weft-containing and weft-less (seamless) human or syntheticfiber hair extensions can be provided with double-sided tape tinted orcolored to match or coordinate with the color of the hair extension. Upuntil now, no other tape adhesive has ever been tinted to match thecolor of the hair extension. Background art currently uses a clear tapewhich may be visible in darker hair and uses a different tapeapplication method and smaller tape size. To produce tinted tape forhair extensions, clear tape is run through a rotary die press printingmachine where ink is applied by rollers to the tape. Several passes maybe required to get the correct shade or tint that matches or correspondsto the color of the hair extensions.

Installation of the disclosed hair extensions is relatively simple toperform and can be completed without the use of messy and oftendifficult to use liquids or chemicals. The extensions can be installedand removed in minutes, and there is a significant reduction of damageto the user's natural hair, as compared to other products on the market.Once installed, the extensions can be kept in place for up to two monthsor more. The hair extensions can be washed, conditioned, and styled witha flat iron, hot rollers or blow dryer, similar to styling a user'snatural hair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of one exemplary embodiment of a human orsynthetic fiber hair extension as affixed to a user's head.

FIG. 2 shows a more detailed side view of the hair extension embodimentof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an exaggerated end view of the hair extension embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows an exaggerated end view of the hair extension embodiment ofFIG. 1 as attached to a user's head.

FIG. 5 shows an exaggerated end view of another embodiment of a human orsynthetic fiber hair extension.

FIG. 6 shows an exaggerated side view of the hair extension of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows an exaggerated view of another embodiment of a human orsynthetic fiber hair extension with the addition of a third tape for usein thicker natural hair applications.

FIG. 8 shows an exaggerated end view of the hair extension embodimentshown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows an exaggerated view of another embodiment of a human orsynthetic fiber hair extension with a netted backing affixed to the hairand located between first and second tapes.

FIG. 10 show an exaggerated end view of the embodiment of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows an exaggerated alternative end view of the embodiment ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows an exaggerated front view of a hair extension with which auser can use glue or adhesive to make the extension weft-less.

FIG. 13 shows an exaggerated end view of the embodiment shown in FIG.12.

FIG. 14 shows an exaggerated end view of an alternative embodiment ofFIG. 13 having one glue or adhesive application to make the extensionweft-less.

FIG. 15 shows an exaggerated side view of the fixed ends of twoextensions combined.

FIG. 16 shows an exaggerated front view of another embodiment using apolymer such as liquid polyurethane or liquid PU to hold the hair in thehair extension with a single piece of tape for bonding to the usershead.

FIG. 17 shows an exaggerated end view of the embodiment shown in FIG.16.

FIG. 18 shows an exaggerated alternative embodiment of a hair extensionwith rounded liquid PU corners.

FIG. 19 shows an exaggerated view of another embodiment of tape on theweft or weft-less.

FIG. 20 shows an exaggerated view of an assembly of hair and the tapeshown in FIG. 19 to create a hair extension.

FIG. 21 shows an exaggerated end view of another embodiment of a hairextension attached to human hair.

FIG. 22 shows an exaggerated end view of another embodiment of two hairextensions attached to human hair.

FIG. 23 shows an exaggerated end view of another embodiment of two hairextensions attached to human hair.

FIG. 24 shows a flow chart of various methods of applying extensions todifferent types of hair.

FIG. 25 shows a flow chart of various methods of applying extensions todifferent types of hair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like elements are indicatedby like numerals, there is shown in FIG. 1 one embodiment of a human orsynthetic fiber hair extension 12 affixed to a user's head. The hairextension 12 has a fixed end 16 which is attached to the user's hairalong a part line. The hair extension 12 has a free end 14 in which hair18 hangs freely at a user desired length. A preferred length of the hairis approximately 18 to 20 inches long. Obviously the hair extensions 12can be cut or styled if a shorter length is desired.

Hair 18 is preferably manufactured from a polyester, one that is capableof being styled with a blow drier, flat iron, hot rollers, or other heatappliances and behaves much like natural hair. Hair 18 can also be ahuman or synthetic blend.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the fixed end 16. A hair weft 34 isattached to the second tape 22 along a mid-line 28. The hair 18 issecured between the second tape 22 and the first tape 20, not shown. Apreferred length of the first and second tapes 20, 22 and width of thehair extension 12 is approximately 1.5 to 4 inches. A preferred width ofthe first and second tapes 20, 22 is ¾″ wide, but other widths may befunctional. Obviously the length of hair 18 can be cut depending uponthe user's preference. The first tape 20 and the second tape 22 shouldbe of a thickness that is relatively thin such that it is relativelypliable and soft and cannot be felt by the wearer.

The first and second tapes 20, 22 can also have “tabs” (not shown) toease the removal of the first and second covers 24, 26. The tabs can beextended backing so that the user can grasp the covers 24, 26 easier toremove them. Alternatively, the covers 24, 26 can be scored such thatthe user can fold the tapes 20, 22 to ease the removal of the covers 24,26.

FIG. 3 shows an end view of the fixed end 16. Here it can be seen thatthe hair 18 is secured between the first tape 20 and the second tape 22at the mid-line 28. The mid-line 28 is about halfway between the top andbottom edges of the first tape 20 and second tape 22. The first tape 20is a piece of double sided tape. To assemble the hair extension 12requires the removal of a cover or liner (not shown) from one side ofthe first tape 20 and securing the hair 18 at the mid-line 28. A coveror liner (not shown) is removed from one side of the second tape 22 andthe exposed side is secured to the hair 18 and in a correspondinglocation to the first tape 20.

A preferred width of the first and second tape is approximately ¾ incheswide. Obviously other widths may be functional, but it has beendetermined that a width of ¾ inches provides the best extended retentionability while still being able to be hidden in the user's natural hair.

Attached to the other side of the first tape 20 is first cover or liner24. Attached to the other side of second tape 22 is second cover orliner 26. The covers 24, 26 are removed and discarded to attach the hairextension 12 to the user's hair.

The hair 18 can show a first color 46 on the first side 30 and a secondcolor 48 on the second side 32. This would allow a user to secure thehair extension 12 with either the first side 30 or second side 32 forview depending on the effect that was desired. The first and secondsides 30, 32 of the extension's hair 18 can be corresponding colors ormuch different colors. This provides more options for the user. It maybe desirable to have a color that matches the user's hair or one that isslightly different to achieve a different look or a color that is muchdifferent than the user's hair color.

First tape 20 can also correspond to the first color 46 of the hair 18on the first side 30. Likewise, second tape 22 can correspond to thesecond color 48 of the hair 18 on the second side 32. The matching ofthe tapes 20, 22 to the sides 30, 32 of the hair 18 helps to hide thefixed end 16 of the hair extension 12 when attached to the natural hair13 of the user.

In one embodiment, the first tape 20 corresponds to the color of thehair 18 first side 30 and second tape 22 corresponds to the color of thehair 18 second side 32. Alternative embodiments have the first tape 20and second tape 22 made from a clear double sided tape which also aidsto hide the fixed end 16 of the hair extension 12.

FIG. 4 is an exaggerated view of the fixed end 16 of the hair extension12 attached to a user's natural hair 13. To attach the hair extension12, the user should shampoo first with a clarifying shampoo that removesoils and other residue that may adversely affect the attachment of thehair extensions 12. Once the hair is dried, the user makes a part linein the natural hair 13 and secures the natural hair 13 with, forexample, a hair clip 11, such as shown in FIG. 1. The user than removesthe first cover or liner 24 and places the first tape 20 onto the user'shair 13 below the part line. The second cover or liner 26 is thenremoved and discarded, and the user's hair that had been retained by thehair clip 11 is released to fall naturally over the second tape 22.After the hair falls naturally onto the second tape 22 it can be pressedto the fixed end 16 of the hair extension 12 and the hair extension 12is then secured to the user's natural hair 13.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the human or synthetic fiber hairextensions 12 where the sewn end or weft 34 is placed above the firstand second tapes, 20, 22 and then cut off at the cut line 36 along witha small length of human or synthetic fiber hair. This allows the use ofthe human or synthetic fiber hair extensions 12 in places on a user'shead that may be more visible. This embodiment may also be more usefulin hiding hair extensions 12 on the side of a user's head because theweft 34 is not present.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the alternative embodiment in FIG. 5 of thehair extension 12 where the weft or sewn end 34 extends beyond the firstand second tapes 20, 22 and the weft 34 and small portion of human orsynthetic fiber hair is cut off at the cut line 36, providing betterconcealment of the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions 12 in theuser's natural hair 13.

To remove the hair extension 12, it is suggested that the user beginwith the hair extension highest on the head. The natural hair is partedand the upper hair is clipped up. The solvent (not shown) is thensprayed onto the second tape 22 and the first tape 20 or both above andbelow the human or synthetic fiber hair extensions 12. The solvent isthen rubbed into the adhesive on the tapes 20, 22 and the hair extension12 lifted with a rat tail comb. The natural hair is then removed fromthe second tape 22. The natural hair attached to the first tape 20 islikewise gently removed and the hair extension 12 removed from theuser's head. Clarifying shampoo can then be used to wash the naturalhair to remove the solvent and prepare the natural hair forre-application of the hair extensions 12, if desired.

A replacement hair extension 12 (not shown) can have its hair sewn endor weft 34 placed on the mid-line 28 of a new first tape 20, afterremoval of its cover or liner (not shown), and a new second tape 22,after its cover or liner (not shown) is removed, and the sewn end 34 isthen secured to the new second tape 22 at the mid-line 28. Replacementfirst and second tapes 20, 22 can be used to replace or enhanceattachment of the hair extensions 12.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of hair extension 12. This embodimentcan be useful for users that have thick natural hair 13. As shown inFIG. 8, a third tape 40 is affixed to the natural hair 13 at a partline. This third tape 40 has a cover (not shown) that is removed and thethird tape 40 is attached to the natural hair 13, as shown in FIG. 8. Asecond cover (not shown) is removed and the hair extension 12 is affixedto the third tape 40. The first cover (not shown) of first tape 20 ofhair extension 12 is removed and hair extension 12 is placed or securedto the third tape 40. The second cover (not shown) of second tape 22 ofhair extension 12 is removed and the natural hair 13 above the part lineis secured to second tape 22.

This approach works well with users who have thick hair and providesadditional securing of the hair extension 12 to a user's natural hair13.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of hair extension 12 secured to a user'snatural hair 13. FIG. 10 shows an exaggerated end view of thisembodiment. In this embodiment, the hair 18 is secured to a nettedbacking 38. The netted backing 38 and hair 18 are then sandwichedbetween first tape 20 and second tape 22. This netted backing 38 helpssecure the hair 18. This embodiment of hair extension 12 is attached tothe natural hair 13 as has been previously described.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative to the embodiments shown and disclosed inFIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 11 shows an exaggerated end view of a hairextension 12 best used on individuals with thinning hair. In thisembodiment, there is shown a first tape 20 affixed to a netted backing38, which in turn is affixed to hair 18. This embodiment eliminates theuse of second tape 22 which may become visible in users with thinninghair, especially those with thinning hair on top of the head. Thismethod can also be beneficial for attaching hair extensions to the bangarea of the head.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show another embodiment of a third tape 61 for use informing a hair extension 12. Third tape 61 has a third cover 63 on oneside and a fourth cover 65 on an opposite side and is generally a widerdouble-sided tape.

This wider tape 61 can be scored in the center such that the user canremove fourth cover 65 (shown in hidden line) and fold third tape 61along a center line 67 to affix third tape 61 to the extension's sectionof hair 18. The third cover 63 can then be removed and the hairextension 12 can be installed as has been previously disclosed.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show exaggerated front and end views of another hairextension 12. This embodiment shows one method of creating a weft-lessextension 12. To create a weft-less extension, the user places a bead ofadhesive 41 just below the fixed end 16 of the extension and allows theadhesive 41 to dry. The extension 12 is then flipped over and a secondbead of adhesive 41 is applied to a corresponding location on theopposite side of the extension 12 and allowed to dry. A first tape 20and a second tape 22 are then applied over the adhesive 41, one tape oneach side. The user can then cut the hair 18 along cut line 36 thusremoving the weft 34 from the extension 12. The removal of the weft 34allows the extension 12 to be used in thinning hair.

FIG. 14 shows an alternative embodiment to that shown in FIG. 13. FIG.14 also shows the removal of the weft 34 from the extension 12, but inthis embodiment, only one bead of adhesive 41 is used on one side of thehair 18. The first tape 20 and the second tape 22 are still used as hasbeen previously described to affix the extension 12 to the user's hair.

FIG. 15 shows an exaggerated end view of two extensions creating adouble extension 50. This double extension 50 may be used for users whohave thicker hair or wish to greatly enhance their natural hair. FIG. 15shows a first extension 12 attached to a second extension 12′. Firstextension 12 and second extension 12′ may be coordinating colors or anycolor combination that a user may choose. To affix first extension 12 tosecond extension 12′ requires the user to remove the second cover 26(not shown) from second tape 22 and the first cover 24′ (not shown) fromfirst tape 20′. The weft 34′ of second extension 12′ should be placedabove the weft 34 of first extension 12 and the second tape 22 and thefirst tape 20′ secured to one another. This double extension 50 is thenready to be applied to a user's head as has been previously described.

The liquid PU used in these embodiments is a new form of attachmentdifferent than that used in the background art.

The background art polyurethane “skin wefts” are mainstream in the hairextension market. They are known as “seamless” in the industry. They arequite different from the embodiments disclosed herein as the embodimentsdisclosed herein are a brand new form of Liquid Polyurethane (PU)extension.

Background PU skin wefts are denser, heavier, thicker, solid, and thehair is vented into the side of the polyurethane, creating hair on thefront side of the extension and “returns” on the back side of theextensions. The background art PU skin wefts, create a solid ridge inthe hair which can be felt by the wearer, and by others who may feel thehead of the wearer. They also add more weight to the extension, whichmay cause more tension to the wearer's natural hair, and in some casesmay cause a condition called “tension alopecia” or baldness in spots,caused by the weight and tension from the hair extension applied to thewearer's natural hair.

The disclosed liquid PU extensions herein are extremely light weight,paper thin, soft and flexible. The embodiments disclosed are essentiallyweightless and, when applied correctly, will create virtually no tensionon the wearer's natural hair. In addition, there are several differentattachment methods that may be used when installing the extensions tolessen the possibility of damage to the natural hair of the user/wearer.Because the present embodiments may be constructed to be paper thin,soft, flexible, and extremely comfortable, they can barely be felt bythe wearer or by others. This is a major breakthrough in the hairextension industry.

In the present embodiments, the hair is attached directly into theliquid PU attachment, and therefor has no “returns” on the back side ofthe attachment as does the background art.

One major problem with background art hair extensions is that they canbe clearly felt by the wearer, and by others who may feel the wear'shair. One may feel ridges, lumps, bumps, plastic or metal nubs, thicktracks, or comb clips in the hair. The weight of these background artextensions and the application methods employed by these various typesof background art systems, causes them to be less esthetically desirableand much more damaging to the wearer's natural hair.

Background art skin weft extensions come on long strips and need to becut to fit each application. The present embodiments may be packaged in3″ wide or 1½″ wide strips, pre-taped, stacked one above the other, andattached to both sides of a plastic card. The card can have a notch atthe top to hang the card from a hook provided with the package. Eachstrip is simply peeled off the card, the liner is removed, and theextension is attached to the hair. Each card comes enclosed in a packagewhich has complete application directions printed inside withcorresponding photographs explaining the installation of theseextensions.

The present embodiments disclose liquid PU extensions that are 1½″ to3′″ wide and include approximately ¼″ liquid PU strips, with roundedcorners and no shine to moderate shine, with tape applied to one side.The hair in the present embodiments can be a solid color, highlightedcolors, or piano stripe colors, and can be applied in any of thesevarious color combinations.

Additional embodiments can include extensions that are 1½″ to 3′″ wideand include ¼″ to ½″ liquid PU strips with rounded corners, and havetapes applied to both sides of the extensions. Hair in these embodimentscan likewise be a solid color, highlighted colors, piano stripe colorsor “reversible colors,” or have one color on one side of the extensionand a different or corresponding color on the opposite side of theextension as has been discussed above.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show another embodiment and attachment method for hairextensions 12 and 12′. In FIG. 21, the hair 13 is parted at part P1 andlifted and retained. The first tape cover 24 (not shown) is removed andhair extension 12 is firmly pressed with first tape 20 below part P1 tonatural hair 13′. Hair extension 12 and natural hair 13′ are then liftedup forming part P2. Part P2 is then cleared of any stray natural hair 13leaving a clean part P2. This allows hair extension 12′ to be adheredwith first tape 20′ to natural hair 13′ and aligned end to end with hairextension 12. The two extensions 12 and 12′ are then pressed togetherfirmly. The hair extensions 12 and 12′ together with natural hair 13,13′ and hair 18 are then lowered providing a sandwich like attachment ofextensions 12 and 12′.

These embodiments can likewise have the polymer or liquid PU 55 andfirst tapes 20, 20′ colored to match or co-ordinate with the hair 18 ofthe extensions 12 and 12′ Likewise, the corners of the fixed end 16 canhave rounded corners 57 to lessen the chance of feeling the extension 12or 12′ when installed. The liquid PU 55 can be manufactured having noshine to moderate shine to hide better in the user's natural hair 13 and13′.

It should be understood that the converse to the method of hairextensions installation disclosed in FIGS. 21, 22 is also anticipated.This method could be reversed wherein extension 12 is installed as hasbeen discussed and instead of pulling extension 12 up, the natural hair13 above the installed extensions 12 is lowered and a part (not shown)made above natural hair 13 wherein extension 12′ is affixed in themanner shown in FIG. 22 on top of extension 12 creating the dualextension 12, 12′ sandwich method of installation.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 23 shows two hairextensions 12, 12′ attached to a user's natural hair 13, 13′. In thisembodiment, a part P1 is made and the first cover 24 (not shown) ispeeled from first tape 20 and hair extension 12 is attached to theuser's natural hair 13. Extension 12 and hair 13′ are then lifted toform part P2. P2 is then cleared of any hair 13′ leaving a clean part P2creating a good surface for the attachment of hair extension 12′.Extension 12′ is installed end to end matching hair extension 12 withnatural hair 13 between the first tapes 20, 20′. Extensions 12 and 12′are pressed together firmly.

First part P1 is made again and second tape 24 with cover 26 is securedto extension 12. Second cover 26 (not shown) is peeled off and hair 13′is allowed to drop onto second tape 22 where it is pressed firmly tosecond tape 22 and secured.

This embodiment uses two extensions 12′ and 12, and hair extension 12uses two tapes 20, 22 to secure it to hair extension 12′ and naturalhair 13, 13′. This embodiment essentially has one extension with tape onone side and a second extension with tapes on two sides.

It should be understood that hair extensions 12 and 12′ can be removedand the tapes 20, 22, 20′ can be replaced. This allows the extensions 12and 12′ to be removed and re-applied. These replacement tapes 20, 22,20′ likewise can be color matching to the polymer 55 or liquid PU andthe hair 18, or the replacement tapes 20, 22, 20′ may be clear andprovided in rolls. As has been previously discussed, these extensions 12disclosed herein can have a single color hair 18, or the hair 18 may bemulti-colored, piano stripe colors, highlighted, have one color on oneside and another color on the other side, or be a blended color.

These hair extension embodiments can have a width of approximately 1.5″to 3″ and include polymer 55 that is approximately ¼″ to ½″ wide.

FIG. 16 shows an exaggerated front view of another embodiment of thehair extension 12. In this embodiment, the hair 18 is fixed into areceiver (not shown) and a polymer 55, by way of example only, liquidpolyurethane or liquid PU, is poured onto the hair 18 retaining the hairin the polymer 55 for attachment to the user. This embodiment of hairextension 12 has rounded corners 57 on each of the ends of the fixed end16. The polymer 55 and first tape 20 can match the color of the hair 18or can be clear. This embodiment of hair extension 12 uses a single tapefirst tape 20 and first cover 24. One preferred width of this hairextension 12 is approximately 1.5″ to 3″ and having a polymer height ofapproximately ¼″ with no shine to moderate shine on the surface of theliquid PU or polymer 55. The low shine or no shine liquid PU or polymer55 can help hide the extensions 12 in the user's natural hair 13. Thesecond tape 22 can be added to the extension 12 once it has beenattached to the natural hair 13. Second tape 22 is applied to thepolymer 55 or liquid PU, second cover 26 is removed, and the naturalhair 13 is dropped and secured to second tape 22 and pressed togetherfirmly.

Separate tapes or additional tapes can be provided with this embodimentand the others disclosed in this application. These supplemental tapescan be used to enhance the securement of single extension 12 to theuser. These supplemental tapes can also be used if the extensions 12 areremoved and then re-attached.

FIG. 17 shows an exaggerated end view of the embodiment in FIG. 16. Itcan be seen that the hair 18 is retained within polymer 55, to which isattached first tape 20 with first cover 24 or liner. The first cover 24is removed and the first tape 20 is used to attach the hair extension 12to the user's natural hair as has been previously described. The polymer55 is relatively soft, paper thin, pliable, and has rounded corners 57so that the wearer can barely feel or not feel at all the hair extension12 when attached. The polymer 55 is also exposed on font and back sidesof the hair 18 as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17. The height of thepolymer 55 in this embodiment can be approximately ¼″. This attachment12 is and feels completely seamless and has been designed so that thewearer will not feel the attachment in their head. It is lighter andcauses less stress to the natural hair 13, and no one will feel theextension being worn as it feels like nothing at all is in the naturalhair 13.

Second tape 22 (not shown) with second cover 26 could be added to thepolymer 55 or liquid PU to the side opposite first tape 20 and firstcover 24 as has been described above.

FIG. 18 shows an alternative embodiment of hair extension 12 withrounded corners 57 and weft-less hair 18. These rounded corners 57lessen the chances of snagging hair implements or the user feeling thehair extensions 12 when installed. Obviously, rounded corners can beused with the other embodiments disclosed in this application. In thisembodiment, the polymer 55 or liquid PU and tapes 20, 22 can be coloredthe same or corresponding color to the hair 18. This extension 12 can beattached to the natural hair 13 with the first tape 20 as has beenpreviously described. The second cover 26 from the second tape 22 canthen be removed and the natural hair 13 above the part can be loweredand affixed to second tape 22. This embodiment likewise can bemanufactured with a polymer height of approximately ¼″ to ½″ and anextension width of approximately 1.5″ to 3″.

This embodiment of hair extension 12 is extremely thin, has no weft, andhas rounded corners. As a result, this hair extension 12 embodiment issoft, pliable and there is virtually no shedding from the extension 12.

FIG. 24 shows various methods for attaching hair extensions 70 to auser's head. FIG. 24 specifically shows variations of the “sandwich”method. Three variations are shown in FIG. 24. The “A” method can beused for persons having medium or thick hair. In this method, twoextensions 70 having pre-applied adhesive on one side of each extensionare affixed to the user's natural hair 13, in essence sandwiching theuser's natural hair 13.

The “B” method can be used on thin, fine or medium natural hair andutilizes two extensions 70 with pre-applied adhesive. This method canalso be beneficial for use where the hair parts, near a cow lick, orwith shorter layered hair. The natural hair 13 is sandwiched in betweenwith the addition of adhesive 41 on the second side of one extension 70for adhering to another section of the user's natural hair 13.

The “C” method can be used for users that need additional support orhold and involve two extensions 70 with pre-applied adhesive on a firstside. The addition of adhesive 41 to the second side of each extension70 is used for affixing additional sections of the user's natural hair13. This essentially sandwiches the user's natural hair 13 between twoextensions 70 with pre-applied adhesive on a first side of the extensionand additional adhesive 41 applied to the second side of each extension70.

FIG. 25 shows another flow chart showing various methods of hairattachment that can be used for various permutations of desired hair andhair types. FIG. 25 shows a variation to the methods shown in FIG. 24.

The methods shown in FIG. 25 use a single extension 70 with adhesivepre-applied to a first side 30 with the addition of either a narrowadhesive 72 or a wide adhesive 74 applied to the second side 32.

The “D” method shows an extension 70 and natural hair 13 attached to thefirst side 30 of extension 70. The second side 32 of extension 70 has anarrow adhesive 72 applied and then a second piece of natural hair 13″.This method can be used for users who have very fine, thin damaged,brittle hair or for application high on the users head.

Method “E” can be used for a wide variety of hair, but is especiallybeneficial to those having very oily hair that may benefit from theadditional hold of the wide adhesive 74.

The extension first side 30 is affixed to the user's natural hair 13 anda wide adhesive 74 is attached to the second side 32 of extension 70where a second strip of natural hair 13″ is then attached.

Method “F” can be applied to users who require additional support orhold. Method “F” is applied where the natural hair 13 is affixed to thepre-applied adhesive on the first side 30 of extension 70. The otherside of this natural hair 13 is applied a narrow adhesive 72 and anadditional strip of natural hair 13′ is then applied to the other sideof a narrow adhesive 72.

The second side 32 of extension 70 has a wide adhesive 74 applied towhich another strip of natural hair 13″ is affixed.

The foregoing disclosure describes various hair extension configurationsand methods for installing hair extensions in a user's/wearer's hairbased on the individual needs of the user, including based on the user'shair type and the application location about the user's head. Thedisclosed methods provide processes for attaching hair extensions to auser's hair so as to provide the appropriate support or hold required bythe user's hair type, while mitigating damage to the user's hair.

It will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that otherembodiments, improvements, details and uses can be made consistent withthe letter and spirit of the foregoing disclosure and within the scopeof this disclosure, construed in accordance with the patent law,including the doctrine of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for attaching a hair extension tonatural hair of a user, the hair extension including a section of hairthat is secured together across a width thereof proximate one lengthwiseend thereof and is free hanging at another lengthwise end thereof, themethod comprising: attaching together, using a first adhesive, a firstside of the secured end of the hair extension and a first section ofnatural hair of the user; and attaching together, using a secondadhesive, a second side of the secured end of the hair extension and asecond section of natural hair of the user, wherein, upon completion ofboth attachments, the hair extension is positioned between and adheredto the first and second sections of natural hair of the user.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein each of the first adhesive and the secondadhesive is double-sided adhesive tape.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the first adhesive is pre-attached to the first side of thesecured end of the hair extension.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein thefirst adhesive has a removable cover attached thereto, the methodfurther comprising: prior to attaching together the first side of thesecured end of the hair extension and the first section of natural hairof the user, removing the cover from the first adhesive.
 5. The methodof claim 1, wherein the second adhesive is pre-attached to the secondside of the secured end of the hair extension.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein the second adhesive has a removable cover attached thereto, themethod further comprising: prior to attaching together the second sideof the secured end of the hair extension and the second section ofnatural hair of the user, removing the cover from the second adhesive.7. The method of claim 1, wherein the hair extension is a seamless hairextension.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: prior toattaching together the first side of the secured end of the hairextension and the first section of natural hair of the user, parting thenatural hair of the user to form a part, wherein the first section ofnatural hair of the user is on one side of the part and the secondsection of natural hair of the user is on an opposite side of the part.9. The method of claim 1, wherein attaching together, using a secondadhesive, a second side of the secured end of the hair extension and asecond section of natural hair comprises: attaching the second adhesiveto the second side of the secured end of the hair extension; andthereafter attaching the second section of natural hair of the user tothe second adhesive.
 10. A method for attaching a hair extension tonatural hair of a user, the method comprising: providing a hairextension that includes a section of hair, a first adhesive attached toa first side of the section of hair, and a second adhesive attached to asecond side of the section of hair, the section of hair being securedtogether across a width thereof proximate one lengthwise end thereof andbeing free hanging at another lengthwise end thereof, the first adhesiveand the second adhesive being attached to the section of hair of thehair extension proximate the secured end of the section of hair;pressing together the secured end of the section of hair of the hairextension and a first section of natural hair of the user such that thefirst adhesive adheres together the first side of the section of hair ofthe hair extension and the first section of natural hair of the user;and pressing together the secured end of the section of hair of the hairextension and a second section of natural hair of the user such that thesecond adhesive adheres together the second side of the section of hairof the hair extension and the second section of natural hair of theuser, wherein, upon completion of both pressings, the hair extension ispositioned between and adhered to the first and second sections ofnatural hair of the user.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein each ofthe first adhesive and the second adhesive is double-sided adhesivetape.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the hair extension furtherincludes a removable cover attached to the first adhesive, the methodfurther comprising: prior to pressing together the secured end of thesection of hair of the hair extension and the first section of naturalhair of the user, removing the cover from the first adhesive.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the hair extension further includes a secondremovable cover attached to the second adhesive, the method furthercomprising: prior to pressing together the secured end of the section ofhair of the hair extension and the second section of natural hair of theuser, removing the second cover from the second adhesive.
 14. The methodof claim 10, further comprising: prior to pressing together the securedend of the section of hair of the hair extension and the first sectionof natural hair of the user, parting the natural hair of the user toform a part, wherein the first section of natural hair of the user is onone side of the part and the second section of natural hair of the useris on an opposite side of the part.
 15. A method for attaching a hairextension to natural hair of a user, the method comprising: providing ahair extension that includes a section of hair, a first adhesiveattached to a first side of the section of hair, and a second adhesiveattached to a second side of the section of hair; attaching the firstadhesive to a first section of natural hair of the user; and attachingthe second adhesive to a second section of natural hair of the user,such that the hair extension is positioned between and attached to thefirst and second sections of natural hair of the user.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising: prior to attaching the first adhesive tothe first section of natural hair of the user, horizontally partingnatural hair of the user to form a part, wherein the first section ofnatural hair of the user is below the part and the second section ofnatural hair of the user is above of the part.
 17. The method of claim16, wherein the first adhesive is an adhesive tape, wherein the sectionof hair of the hair extension is secured together across a width thereofproximate one lengthwise end thereof and is free hanging at anotherlengthwise end thereof, wherein a first side of the adhesive tape isattached to a first side of the section of hair of the hair extensionproximate the secured end of the section of hair, and wherein attachingthe first adhesive to a first section of natural hair of the usercomprises: attaching a second side of the adhesive tape to natural hairof the user below the part.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein thesecond adhesive is a second adhesive tape, wherein a first side of thesecond adhesive tape is attached to a second side of the section of hairof the hair extension proximate the secured end of the section of hair,and wherein attaching the second adhesive to a second section of naturalhair of the user comprises: attaching a second side of the secondadhesive tape to natural hair of the user above the part.
 19. The methodof claim 15, wherein attaching the second adhesive to the second sectionof natural hair of the user is performed after attaching the firstadhesive to the first section of natural hair of the user.
 20. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the first adhesive has a removable coverattached thereto, the method further comprising: prior to attaching thefirst adhesive to the first section of natural hair of the user,removing the cover from the first adhesive.